ELECTIONS REGISTRATION STARTS TOMORROW

NKHANINI – Registration for the national government and parliamentary elections begins tomorrow.The process that is expected to be flawless will last until June 17, 2018.

Chairman of the Elections and Boundaries Commission, Chief Gija announced yesterday that all voting centres will be equipped with top-of-the-range equipment to ensure a smooth-running of the process.In 2013, 414 704 voters registered yet the EBC had anticipated over 600 000. From those who registered, 221 533 were female while 193 171 were male.

Chief Gija said, “It has pleased Their Majesties to announce the registration dates of the 2018 Parliament and National Government elections. This marks the start of the entire national elections process.”He said this follows a series of pre-election activities that have been successfully undertaken in the last four years.

“These include the civic voter education exercise; review of Tinkhundla boundaries, review of the election laws, procedures; and numerous consultations with non-governmental organisations, religious groups, traditional institutions, the youth and private sector.”The chief said reports from other assignments carried out informed a number of changes in the conduct of the 2018 national elections.“These include an increase in the number of Tinkhundla from 55 to 59, re-alignment of polling divisions, establishment of registration centres and a review of the opening and closing time for registration.”